STARTING THE NEW YEAR RIGHT

  Introduction:

        A.  People are reflecting on the old year and looking forward to the new.

        B.  The old year is gone, but God has given us a new year.

        C.  The poem, "The New Leaf," expresses these thoughts:

    I.  Church goals for 2008

  II.  The need for a personal ministry.  Ephesians 4:11-16

         A.  The Parable of the talents.  Matthew 25:14-30

               1.  The talents: five, two and one. v15   (1)  God has given us                               certain talents and abilities with which to serve Him.

               2.  The opportunity. vs 16-18   (2)  We need to seize the

                     opportunities.

                    whenever they are available.

               3.  The accountability.  v19   (3)  Jesus will hold                                                       us accountable for our abilities and opportunities. 

                      II Corinthians 5:10

               4.   The reward or punishment.  vs 19-30   (4)  Jesus will reward                            the faithful, but not the unfaithful.  vs 34,41

          B.   "Investing in the Work of the LORD" sheet.

  III.  Request for God's blessings in 2008:

          A.   Scripture: Psalm 143: 1, 10-12

          B.    Prayer

          C.    Song: "Room in God's Kingdom," p. 80

   Closing:

          A.    Let's be careful how we live the new year.  poem

          B.     Invitation